All About
Sizes of Poodles
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Poodles – One Adorable Dog In Many Convenient Sizes
Kirsten Hawkins
People love their poodles! A very popular but often
misunderstood breed of dog, the poodle has been with us for
centuries. Artifacts from ancient Egypt and Rome have been
found bearing the images of poodles engaged in such activities
as herding animals, retrieving game animals (small game
animals, of course – especially birds), and assisting the
dragging of game nets. In fact, the intentional breeding of
various sized poodles (the American Kennel Club or AKC
recognizes three sizes of poodles – Standard, Miniature, and
Toy – which are all considered to be the same breed) likely
dates back hundreds of years as opposed to other types of dogs
which were bred this way only recently. Suffice to say that
there have been oodles of poodles roaming the Earth for a very
long time.
Defining the Poodles’ Sizes
The three sizes of poodle have distinct definitions according
to the AKC. For purposes of competition in dog shows, the
different sizes are determined by the poodle’s height at the
shoulder. Standard poodles are defined by being taller than
fifteen inches at the shoulder. Miniature poodles must stand no
more than fifteen inches but more than ten inches at the
shoulder, and Toy poodles must be ten inches or less. Recently
breeders have been offering Teacup poodles as well. While the
AKC does not recognize the Teacup distinction, most breeders
consider a poodle that stands eight inches or less at the
shoulder when full grown to be a Teacup poodle. Teacup poodles
are proving to be very popular and fetch some of the higher
prices for poodle pups.
Poodle Popularity
The popularity of poodles is particularly due to a plethora of
pleasant attributes in poodle personalities. Poodles are proud
dogs and usually very active. It is said that the poodle
carries an air of regal dignity unseen in other breeds of dog.
Some poodles, however, can be exceptionally shy while others
may be very cross creatures. These are the exception rather
than the rule. Generally speaking, pet poodles please people.
Primping the Poodle
Poodle grooming is nearly an art form and there are four
generally accepted styles used for show poodles. These are
called “show quality clips” and generally include shaping the
poodle’s coat to exact specifications in some areas while
completely shaving other areas. These four show quality poodle
cuts are the Puppy Show Clip, English Saddle Clip, Continental
Clip, and Sporting Clip. In addition to these there are five
common “pet quality” poodle clips that are employed with
non-show dogs. They are known as the Kennel Clip, Dutch Clip
(there are two styles of Dutch clip), Bikini Clip, and Puppy
Pet Clip.
For those thinking about becoming poodle owners, the AKC has
plenty of information on what to look for in a purebred poodle.
The can help potential poodle procurers avoid unnecessary poodle
pitfalls and start on the road to a long and happy relationship
of poodle puppy love.
Kirsten Hawkins is a dog lover and animal
expert from Nashville, TN. Visit
http://www.doghealth411.com/
for more information on dog health, the care of dogs, and dog
travel.
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